Classically-trained violinist and violist Cicely Nelson completed extensive teacher training and certification in the Suzuki Methodat the School for Strings in New York City, where she studied under master teacher trainers Ekaterina Gerson, Allen Lieb, Louise Behrend, and Sasha Yudkovsky, and taught in the Start-Up Program, a program for disadvantaged children. While pursuing dual graduate degrees in violin and viola performance at the University of British Columbia (MMus 2013, 2016), she served on the faculties of the Vancouver Academy of Music and the Vancouver Symphony School of Music, where she was also chair of the Early Childhood Department.

An active performer and chamber musician, Cicely has also participated in the Ameropa, Domaine Forget, and Bowdoin Music Festivals. She is member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and participates in continued education in Suzuki Pedagogy and music performance. Both her teaching and performing are informed by her lifelong background in movement (performance and therapy). She is passionate about teaching all ages, levels, and approaches and her students have won local competitions and received top marks in Royal College of Music Examinations. She presently maintains a small private studio in northern Santa Monica and serves as a Teaching Artist with YOLA, Gustavo Dudamel’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles program.

Studio Mission Statement​I believe that every student, regardless of age and ability, deserves to receive whole-hearted, articulate violin instruction. I do not believe in talent as an absolute, but in a good work ethic. Study of a musical instrument is one of the best ways to realize human potential and I am passionate about sharing this truism with my students.